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blowin · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject: breeding age for pigs ?

I currently have 2 young Gloucester Old Spot gilts and a boar running together . They are nearly 5 months old . I understand that it is best to separate the girls from the boar from about now and until they are 9 months old . The first litter should then be born when they are one year . I'm just wondering what , and how serious , the risks might be if I just leave them together and let nature take its course .
They have plenty of free range , and are given more than enough good quality food . They look in great condition to me but I do not have an experienced eye .
Any advice welcome !

atholl gow · Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:03 pm Post subject: breeding

re leaving the gilts and boar to run together will been that they will definately breed and the girls will become pregnant. The main risk is that the gilts will not be fully grown and it can stunt their growth. I am not a vet, but this may have implications during birth and future pregnancies.
Diane
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bref · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 136 Location: South Dublin

I have 2 gilts and a boar together(brother and sisters) and I will be dispatching them at about 6 months old. Will they be allright together until then. If not how would be boar feel about being seperated (from a humane point of view)

wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

I would have the boar castrated if he is destined for the pot. How old are they? As far as seperation is concerned provided he has visual connection with his siblings I think he will be ok.
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bref · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 136 Location: South Dublin

Sory for the late reply wayland. They are currently 4 months old. I think I should have given more thought to this when I was buying them....as I am a little worried about it now.

wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

I think you should seperate them! He`s a bit old for the chop unless you get the vet in.
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bref · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 136 Location: South Dublin

As always, I'm leaving thing till the last minute (or trying to)...when do gilts come into season?
The boar has been 'practicing' a bit but I'm not bothered about that. Anoys the crap out of the girls though.

admin · Site Admin Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 227

My 2 GOS gilts had a sort of test run at 7 months while the boar (8 months ) was not sure what to do . One month on and there is absolutely no doubt that nature has just taken its course . Quite a few times , actually . I have some very funny photos to prove it Laughing

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